Watermelon Basil Gimlet Bucket

Watermelon Basil Gimlet Bucket

I am trying to savor the last of the summer fruit – although thankfully in California as the seasons change the weather pretty much stays the same. This fun cocktail is served as a “bucket” -- a large batch of a cocktail in a non-traditional container: a hollowed out watermelon! It’s especially perfect forany upcoming Labor Day weekend plans. I love serving cocktails this way when I’m hosting friends at my apartment so I don’t need to be constantly playing bartender and missing out on conversations. Just make a batch (or several) then sit down and let everyone refill as they please.

You won’t need to add any simple syrup to this cocktail – the natural sugars from the watermelon juice sweetens it just enough.

Ingredients:

1 (5 pound) small seedless watermelon

1/3 cup gin

¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

¼ cup basil leaves, torn

Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

Use a knife to slice a small section off the bottom of the watermelon so that it will stand on its end. Slice ½-inch off the top then use a spoon to hollow out the watermelon. Reserve the meat and juices from the watermelon in a large bowl. Once the watermelon is completely hollowed, set it aside and add the juice and meat to a blender. Blend until pureed. Use a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth set in it to strain the pulp from the juice back into a large mixing bowl. The watermelon should yield 3 cups of juice.

Combine the 3 cups of watermelon juice with the gin, lime juice and basil, stirring to combine. Pour the cocktail mixture back into the watermelon with ice.

To serve, ladle into ice-filled tumblers and garnish with lime wedges.